For EMBELLISH, I created a collection of soft fabric knife brooches or objects with pliable blades. When Jemma, the curator of the show, first approached me with the idea of wearable art, I initially found it challenging to come up with a concept, as it’s not typically how I create. But eventually, the idea of knives—both as objects of utility and symbols of power—resonated with me.

This series is inspired by the noblewomen of the Joseon Dynasty (조선, 1392-1910), who carried small silver knives as personal accessories. These knives symbolised virtue and chastity but were also used for daily tasks and self-defence. There are even stories of women defending their honor with these knives, and in extreme cases, using them to take their own lives rather than face dishonour.

I chose to mimic the shape of kitchen knives because they are one of the most common tools used in homicides, adding a modern layer to the traditional symbolism. Living in contemporary times and outside of Korea, I wanted to reinterpret the concept of 'carrying a knife.' By expressing this through softness and buoyancy in fabric, I’m exploring femininity and strength. To me, regardless of gender, we all carry a metaphorical knife within us—whether for utility, self-defence, or sacrifice.